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Monday, August 03, 2015
The Steadfast Tin Soldier
My love affair with electronic music begins with genre defining releases of Kraftwerk, Giorgio Moroder, and continues into the new wave era of the 80's by acts like Depeche Mode, New Order and the like. Stepping away from my youth as I got into other genres like punk and hip hop, I found the genre stale and dissatisfying. Spinning records to make pocket money during my college days I remember picking up Daft Punk's first record, Homework upon giving The Funk a listen and somewhat enjoying it. I never bought another DP album till their latest offering, Random Offering on a whim before my son before was born and I'll always associate the album with that major event in my life. The radio hit " Get Lucky" was seriously getting played out, and it's a great song, not because of the vocals by Neptunes and solo artist rapper, Pharrell Williams (who is awesome as well) but because of the legendary Nile Rodgers bassist and frontman of Chic. Yes, that Chic. Good Times and Le Freak, Chic. In mainstream music, the man is a hot machine. He's responsible for the success of Duran Duran, and produced many of David Bowie's greatest hits (during the 80's.) Why this guy isn't more recognized, I don't know.
So I pick up Random Access Memories, heavily featuring Niles Rodgers to pair with the electronic dance tendencies of DP and squeeze out the RnB Element out of them. Well it worked. While, not heavily, it's still DP, but different. A twinge of disco and homage to Moroder as a whole track is dedicated to him in a biographical piece as gives his life story. Interesting. So I started working backwards, listening to their past works, all the way back to the beginning to Homework. Some of the works in the middle were good. As I worked my way back forward, I began to see how they evolve over time, becoming the powerhouses they are today and defying their own genre and breaking and bending into others.
Obvious themes of humanity, man and machine, technology and unattainable love are there, as its a subject that is often revisited such as the song Digital Love. Going back to RAM, and listening to it over and over again, I had a revelation and realized why the album was so f*cking good. Retaining its common themes of a typical DP album, it was an homage to music. The opening track is evident of that with the lyrics "If the music gives you life, then give back to music." A journey through multiple genres through the beginnings of Giorgio Moroder and his use of the MOOG and possible look into the future. Within, Instant Crush (my favorite track on the album featuring Julian Cassablancas from the Strokes), Motherboard, and a track that sounds eerily starts like an Off the Wall cut from MJ, Fragments of Time are solid and play into the Daft Punk themes and persona. The group seems to have come full circle and on top. And the whole time, I never noticed till RAM. Bravo, DP, bravo! As my selection for this post, I really love the themes and artistic direction of this video. The Steadfast Tin Soldier is an awesome story and the song portrays it well down to a tee. If you haven't heard the story, just watch this video. After this album, and scouring their catalog I'm convinced that they are amongst the best and creative artists, restoring my faith in the genre.
I'll be here for you always and always be for you
Man, do I love Adventure Time. And this song as well...
Monday, December 22, 2014
Saturday, November 01, 2014
Your 2014 World Series Champs, The San Francisco Giants!
"I think we find ways to win. “There’s no way the Giants are going to
beat Texas. There’s no way the Giants are going to beat Detroit. There’s
no way the Giants are going to beat Philly.” They said all these
things. But what people always look at when they say there’s no way
that’s going to happen, is they look at the offense we’re going to pitch
against. But if you talk to baseball players, they’ll tell you good
pitching will beat good hitting every time."
-Jeremy Affeldt from a interview from Tom Tolbert
This year by far has been the most difficult. Injuries, going hot, cold, and hot again. Having the Dodgers take first place and not being able to catch first. Luckily, we got the Wildcard and beat a very good, young, fast and hungry Pirates team, only to be silenced by Crawford's grand slam. Then it was onto the Nats, the team with the best record in the league and a very potent pitching staff. The 18th inning game that was capped off with a Belt-ed home run. The Cards proved to be very difficult as well and Ishikawa's name is etched in history as the second 'Shot Heard Around the World'. Then it was on to the World Series Matchup against the KC Royals. First time since '85, with George Brett in tow. They were hailed as the team of destiny, much like the Giants in 2010. Except they were denied. Posey, Pablo, Pence, Panik, Perez, the Brandon's and Blanco with armed with a deadly bullpen including Affeldt, Petit, and the newly crowned MVP, Madison Bumgarner turned out the improbably performance of the lifetime. Guided by Bruce Bochy with this team assembled by GM Brian Sabean, the truly put together a high quality team.
I remember last season Belt made a comment, that was directed at the Dodgers. "You can't put a price on Chemistry." Well said Belt.
But the ace of the staff put on a performance of the lifetime that only a Cy Young could dream for, and our ace hasn't even won one yet. He has 3 rings under his belt. The lowest ERA at .25 of 36 innings with only 1 run scored against him. Good thing they never had him at bat with the bases loaded. (He's hit 2 grand slams this year alone!)
Next year's odds for World Series favorites are set. And of course the Giants are never picked. Just like Rodney Dangerfield, we never get any respect. But in the world of sabermetrics, stats and numbers, you can never measure the heart of a team and the chemistry of a team, that yields results greater than the sum of its parts. This team will always be the underdog, and it is a label that is proudly worn.
This post is dedicated to Carl Napiza. You'll be sorely missed. Spicy Balut and Chicharon Manok forever dude.
-Jeremy Affeldt from a interview from Tom Tolbert
This year by far has been the most difficult. Injuries, going hot, cold, and hot again. Having the Dodgers take first place and not being able to catch first. Luckily, we got the Wildcard and beat a very good, young, fast and hungry Pirates team, only to be silenced by Crawford's grand slam. Then it was onto the Nats, the team with the best record in the league and a very potent pitching staff. The 18th inning game that was capped off with a Belt-ed home run. The Cards proved to be very difficult as well and Ishikawa's name is etched in history as the second 'Shot Heard Around the World'. Then it was on to the World Series Matchup against the KC Royals. First time since '85, with George Brett in tow. They were hailed as the team of destiny, much like the Giants in 2010. Except they were denied. Posey, Pablo, Pence, Panik, Perez, the Brandon's and Blanco with armed with a deadly bullpen including Affeldt, Petit, and the newly crowned MVP, Madison Bumgarner turned out the improbably performance of the lifetime. Guided by Bruce Bochy with this team assembled by GM Brian Sabean, the truly put together a high quality team.
I remember last season Belt made a comment, that was directed at the Dodgers. "You can't put a price on Chemistry." Well said Belt.
But the ace of the staff put on a performance of the lifetime that only a Cy Young could dream for, and our ace hasn't even won one yet. He has 3 rings under his belt. The lowest ERA at .25 of 36 innings with only 1 run scored against him. Good thing they never had him at bat with the bases loaded. (He's hit 2 grand slams this year alone!)
Next year's odds for World Series favorites are set. And of course the Giants are never picked. Just like Rodney Dangerfield, we never get any respect. But in the world of sabermetrics, stats and numbers, you can never measure the heart of a team and the chemistry of a team, that yields results greater than the sum of its parts. This team will always be the underdog, and it is a label that is proudly worn.
This post is dedicated to Carl Napiza. You'll be sorely missed. Spicy Balut and Chicharon Manok forever dude.
Tuesday, October 07, 2014
Still alive and rockin'!
Went to a Pixies show on the 27t at the Nob Hill Masonic Center in SF. Royal Blood opened and they were awesome.
Paz on bass was awesome!
Here's the setlist:
Paz on bass was awesome!
Here's the setlist:
-
- Encore:
-
Tuesday, January 07, 2014
These are a few of my favorite things...
Other than my wife and first born....
Aftermath:
The Greatest of All Time truly inspired SF's Best... WOOOOOO!!!!!!
Aftermath:
The Greatest of All Time truly inspired SF's Best... WOOOOOO!!!!!!
Friday, August 30, 2013
Flashback Friday's
Here's some adult contemporary KOIT shit right here for ya... Up till about a couple months ago, the only Eagles songs I knew about were Hotel California and Desperado. Since about maybe mid June, I've seen History of the Eagles maybe about 7 times. The stories are so compelling and the music, despite its 'soft rock' feel, is harder at its core than most metal bands. And believe, me I love me some metal. I've never seen a more conflicted and messed up band, while maintaining quality and churning out the number of hits like this band and commercial success, except for maybe the Beatles. I don't want to ruin it, so I highly recommend watching it. In the mean time, enjoy this clip from one of the nice Eagles. Tim Schmidt, who came in later and contributed a couple hits opposite the alpha duo, Frey and Henley. Schmidt is a very accomplished musician, and can be considered the musician's musician. Very veratile, and has a great voice. His easy going demeanor and being able to work with has contributed to his long list of collaborations and great solo career along with his work with the Eagles. This guy deserves to inducted 3x as session musician, as an Eagle, and as a solo artist.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Monday, May 06, 2013
Ode to Ramen
For my fellow Fellowship... We must go ramening again!
Watch The Mind of a Chef, Episode 1: Noodle on PBS. See more from The Mind of a Chef.
iEl WARP 8! iENGRANAR!
With the upcoming Star Trek movie coming up later this month I had to post this... I was rolling with laughter when I saw this.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
No Can Do
My new favorite show... Live from Daryl's featuring Cee Lo Green done right and funky!
I found it interesting that this song isn't about person, but the record industry. I found out that Hall and Oates will be performing at Outsidelands this August along with Sir Paul McCartney (Gasp!) Bonus!
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
One of my favorite persons...
Henry Rollins. Love him or hate his opinionated persona, he is definitely the working man's hero. One of the few punks of his age to make it and retain his integrity and at least in my eyes, respect.
I got to meet him at a small panel that he moderated at San Diego Comicon in 2007. The subject was special effects and Horror Movies. Given the exciting subject matter, you can tell that the 15 people in the room including myself weren't there to talk about horror movies, but to talk about him, Black Flag or hardcore punk in general.
Respectfully, we let him do his thing, but at the end when he started fielding questions a lot of people asked him about the state of music and punk in general today. And I tend to agree with him. You don't have to like the stuff that you are force fed by MTV, Clear Channel and what ever the major labels give you. There is and always be an independent and DIY scene.
With Black Flag and other line ups like FLAG floating and reunited, I would LOVE to see Rollins front Black Flag once again... with Minor Threat reunited?!!! One can only wish.
I never told my friends from Eskapo, but when I met Rollins, I gave him my listening copy of the first album. So there you have it. He has a copy of Eskapo. Whether he'll listen to it? I don't know... Play it on his radio show? Highly doubt it but you never know. Maybe he'll get to it 6-7 years later and have his mind blown and realize that there is a bilingual Filipino hardcore band, and do some history to find out there was a thriving hardcore scene (TRC) that rivaled his own during HIS time and explode? That would be the shit... And I could possibly be the lynch pin. Wishful thinking.
So when I talked to him he was very gracious and down to earth, compared to all the videos I've seen him ranting and being angry. What a cool guy...
I have three clips. The first is him and a short bio. The second is his thoughts on music. The third is a young version of himself performing with Black Flag in the 80's.
I got to meet him at a small panel that he moderated at San Diego Comicon in 2007. The subject was special effects and Horror Movies. Given the exciting subject matter, you can tell that the 15 people in the room including myself weren't there to talk about horror movies, but to talk about him, Black Flag or hardcore punk in general.
Respectfully, we let him do his thing, but at the end when he started fielding questions a lot of people asked him about the state of music and punk in general today. And I tend to agree with him. You don't have to like the stuff that you are force fed by MTV, Clear Channel and what ever the major labels give you. There is and always be an independent and DIY scene.
With Black Flag and other line ups like FLAG floating and reunited, I would LOVE to see Rollins front Black Flag once again... with Minor Threat reunited?!!! One can only wish.
I never told my friends from Eskapo, but when I met Rollins, I gave him my listening copy of the first album. So there you have it. He has a copy of Eskapo. Whether he'll listen to it? I don't know... Play it on his radio show? Highly doubt it but you never know. Maybe he'll get to it 6-7 years later and have his mind blown and realize that there is a bilingual Filipino hardcore band, and do some history to find out there was a thriving hardcore scene (TRC) that rivaled his own during HIS time and explode? That would be the shit... And I could possibly be the lynch pin. Wishful thinking.
So when I talked to him he was very gracious and down to earth, compared to all the videos I've seen him ranting and being angry. What a cool guy...
I have three clips. The first is him and a short bio. The second is his thoughts on music. The third is a young version of himself performing with Black Flag in the 80's.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
What Happens When Worlds Collide...
This short is written and directed by a friend of mine who hails from the Bay Area. He's a half-German half pinoy comedian who's a little bit of the beaten path, but his brand of comedy is refreshing and original. Doesn't rely on stereotypes or race, or even politics. Everything and nothing is fair game. He does a 8 bit video game music blog that you can subscribe to. If you like 8 bit video game music (all 2 of my followers) then, I think you will enjoy his reviews. But back to his comedy. I've got to see the evolution of his stand up since I first saw him over 10 years ago at a benefit in Berkeley. Since then he's moved to LA and the rest is history. I recently downloaded his latest comedy album of iTunes last year and his stuff and delivery has gotten better.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
I greatly admire Stephen Colbert...
Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God. — Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
"Joy can be hard. It's not the same thing as happiness," and what gives him joy is "to be with my wife and children."
— Stephen Colbert
Although I'm born and raised Catholic I may not be the most religious of persons sometime but these quotes struck me today. And then I went on youtube to find a obligatory Colbert clip, but instead I found a commencement speech he did for his alma mater in Northwestern done in 2011. Very well done for a fake news broadcaster. Funny, and smart he is. I remembered that his show went off the air for a couple episodes and everyone was freaking out. When he came back he gave a shout out to his mom, who was ill. Recently he was interviewed by Oprah and he discussed his family tragedies and loss. He lost his father and 2 older brothers in a plane crash in 1974. He was only 10. That kind of loss can crush a person and who knew that 40 years later he would become the Colbert we all know and love. His loss defined him but it didn't destroy him. And I can appreciate and respect that.
Now this this the second commencement speech I've posted. The last one was Steve Jobs. They always seem to impart great advice at these things. I can't even remember who spoke at mine. Although, my alma mater Dominican College once had the great writer Isabel Allende and ape-ologist extraordinal, Dr. Jane Goodall. But this particular piece is not only funny, but heart felt and true in every sense of the word. It's not about being the best you can be, or following your dreams, which he elaborates towards the end. But it's about love, service and brothels. (You're gonna have to watch it to understand)
"Joy can be hard. It's not the same thing as happiness," and what gives him joy is "to be with my wife and children."
— Stephen Colbert
Although I'm born and raised Catholic I may not be the most religious of persons sometime but these quotes struck me today. And then I went on youtube to find a obligatory Colbert clip, but instead I found a commencement speech he did for his alma mater in Northwestern done in 2011. Very well done for a fake news broadcaster. Funny, and smart he is. I remembered that his show went off the air for a couple episodes and everyone was freaking out. When he came back he gave a shout out to his mom, who was ill. Recently he was interviewed by Oprah and he discussed his family tragedies and loss. He lost his father and 2 older brothers in a plane crash in 1974. He was only 10. That kind of loss can crush a person and who knew that 40 years later he would become the Colbert we all know and love. His loss defined him but it didn't destroy him. And I can appreciate and respect that.
Now this this the second commencement speech I've posted. The last one was Steve Jobs. They always seem to impart great advice at these things. I can't even remember who spoke at mine. Although, my alma mater Dominican College once had the great writer Isabel Allende and ape-ologist extraordinal, Dr. Jane Goodall. But this particular piece is not only funny, but heart felt and true in every sense of the word. It's not about being the best you can be, or following your dreams, which he elaborates towards the end. But it's about love, service and brothels. (You're gonna have to watch it to understand)
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Superbowl 47 according Tecmobowl
Madden predicted it, and so does this great game in AI fashion. Go Niners!
Monday, January 07, 2013
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